LeBron James Has No Emotions Over Ending Historical 1,297-Game Streak

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James did not feel emotional after losing is double-digit points streak against the Toronto Raptors.

LeBron James Has No Emotions Over Ending Historical 1,297-Game Streak

LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers secured a thrilling 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night. The win was sealed thanks to a Rui Hachimura three-pointer at the buzzer.

Without the services of Luka Doncic, who leads the league in scoring with 35.3 points per game, a lot of the offensive burden fell on LeBron James and Austin Reaves’ shoulders. The 27-year-old has been a revelation for the Lakers this season as he recorded 44 points to go along with 10 assists.

The close-fought victory propelled the Lakers to 16-5 and sit at second place in the Western Conference standings, behind defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was an impressive win for the Lakers as they came up against one of the biggest surprises this season in the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors, who are third in the Eastern Conference, have now lost three out of their last four matches.

Playing in an unprecedented 23rd season in the NBA, James is still working his way into top condition. Following a poor game against the Phoenix Suns, where he called himself “old” after recording just 10 points, James had an even poorer game in terms of scoring against the Raptors.

The four-time NBA champion scored just eight points but did record 11 assists. It is the first time that James failed to reach the 10-point mark in a game since January 2007 against the Milwaukee Bucks. But it did not matter in the end as it was James who made the pass and provided the assist for Hachimura’s winner.

After the win, James spoke to the media about how he felt when his streak came to an end. He quipped, “None… we won,” with a chuckle and a wry smile.

The streak lasted for 1,297 games. For context, only 24 players in NBA history have played that many games in their career.

Father time catching up to LeBron James?

Time waits for no one, not even for LeBron James. The soon to be 41-year-old is still adjusting to his new role with the Lakers. For the first time in his career, James does not have to shoulder all the responsibilities by himself. This is Doncic’s team now as the Lakers management have shown that they are keen on building the roster around the Slovenian guard as they prepare themselves for the post-James era.

James is currently averaging 14 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists this campaign. A clear drop from his previous season. It is only his sixth game since his return from injury so only time will tell if this is who James will be for the rest of the season or there is a lot more to come as the Lakers try to cement themselves as championship contenders.

Only time will tell if James has finally hit his final peak. While his scoring numbers have dropped significantly, his playmaking and passing are still elite. But if history is to go by, never doubt the ‘King’.

Austin Reaves continues to dazzle

While Doncic may grab all the headlines, it is Reaves who has been their biggest story of the season. The undrafted player is averaging 28.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists this season. A jump, most people would not see coming as Reaves is a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award and may soon break into the top-10 in the league MVP conversation.

Austin Reaves LeBron James
Austin Reaves (Left) and LeBron James (Right) (Image credits – Lakers Nation/X)

James has always been a believer of Reaves’ game. Since signing with the Lakers in 2021, James has taken the guard under his wings and been a huge supporter of his game. Reaves has scored seven 30-point games this season. After their win over the Mavs, where he scored 38 points, James did not seem too amazed as he knew what Reaves was capable of.

What makes Reaves even more special this campaign is that without Doncic in the lineup, he is averaging 41 points and 10 assists in the four games. Good signs ahead for the Lakers as it appears that Reaves is a reliable second option as James adapts to a new role.

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